The family of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has been thrown into mourning following the death of her younger sister, Ruth Otabor.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Sunday through a statement issued by Eko Solicitors & Advocates on behalf of the family. According to the release, Ruth passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m.
“With a heavy heart, the family regrets to announce the passing on to glory of their daughter, sister, and mother… The family is presently grieving and will appreciate being given a private moment to mourn the departed. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course,” the statement read in part.
Ruth’s death comes just two weeks after a devastating accident that changed her life. On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, she was hit by a truck reportedly belonging to the Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State. Eyewitnesses recounted that the heavy-duty vehicle crushed her leg before it was forcibly stopped by a quick-thinking bystander.
She was rushed to hospital where doctors were forced to amputate her leg in a bid to save her life. Despite the intervention, Ruth succumbed to her injuries.
The tragedy was even more painful as it struck only six days after she graduated from Auchi Polytechnic, marking what should have been a moment of celebration for her family.
Her sudden death has drawn an outpouring of grief from fans, friends, and supporters of Phyna, who described the loss as “deeply heartbreaking.”
